Do i have tmj if i feel my jaw locking up?

Probably: What do you mean by "locking up?" can't open or close your jaw (stuck), or "tightness"? The ball and socket jaw joint has a cartilage disc that acts as a cushion. If the ligaments that hold it in place are stretched, the disc first clicks & pops in and out of position, then gets stuck out of position which prevents the joint (jaw) from moving. The ball can also dislocate/lock out of the socket.

Could be: Tmj has several symptoms. If your jaw does lock open or closed, if you hear a clicking or popping when you open or close, if you have pain with opening or closing...Then yes you do have tmj. See your dentist who may treat it or they'll send you on to a specialist who treats tmj. Good luck...It is annoying and painful.

Good possibility: There is a good possibility that you have tmj/tmd. A jaw that locks (closed- limited opening, open- hard to close, ) is usually a sure sign of a disk that is displaced which is a major symptom of tmj. I would see a specialist. Try not to manipulate or force your jaw open or closed on your own. You can tear the disk and create a permanent injury.

Probably: Probably. If it persists, see a TMJ specialist. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.

Of course: Temporo-mandibular syndrome is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. TMJ syndrome may cause ear pain, ringing in the ears, jaw locking, and pain. Proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. See Orofacial Pain expert for a consultation and treatment options.